Feb. 7, 2010, was the date of Super Bowl 44 featuring the controversial Tim Tebow public service announcement with its subtle anti-abortion message. Another was Betty White’s appearance in a Snickers candy bar ad. It later led to a Facebook campaign that got her to host “Saturday Night Live.” Best of all, this was the Super Bowl to have the most viewers in television history with a total of 106.5 million. Tampa has had its share of hosting Super Bowls, including the one in 2009. However, one particular TV commercial stood out in 2010 for its uniqueness and clever idea.
It would not be a Super Bowl without its bevy of car commercials. This one was no exception. The music played throughout by The Heavy would get your immediate attention. Aside from the band’s great neo soul sound, the Kia Sorento ad tells the adorable story of a motley crew of toys: Yo Gabba Gabba, Teddy bear, Curious George Monkey, Robot and a “Cousin It” lookalike. Somehow they all get a hold of a Kia Sorento midsize SUV while traveling across the country. They’re having a blast with bowling, listening to music, jet skiing, making angels in the snow, and settling into a hot tub with a pretty lady (all very innocent, of course).
The Curious George stuffed toy is the adventurous one by riding a mechanical bull in some honky-tonk bar. Later on he gets a tattoo sewn on his upper arm. Their next stop is Vegas where they get a photo taken by the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” retro neon sign. Yo Gabba Gabba is taking in the glittery lights and sounds of The Strip while looking out of the sun roof. When they get to their destination at the Monte Carlo Hotel, walking in like they own the place, the Robot is naturally doing the robot dance. He is joined by someone else doing the “Robot.” That scene alone stands out the most.
When it ends, the Vegas nightclub scene fades out. Now the toys are in the backseat of a Kia Sorento. A child gets into the back of the vehicle with his toys while putting on a seat belt. The driver, most likely the mother, hits the key button and off they go. It was all a dream for the monkey and his toy companions.
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